Neglected Marble Shrimp

Saron neglectus

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Crustacea
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
Family: Hippolytidae
Genus: Saron
Species: Saron neglectus

The neglected marble shrimp (Saron neglectus) is a close relative of the common marble shrimp, with a finely speckled body and tufts of filaments. It is often confused with Saron marmoratus, which is how it earned its 'neglected' name.

It grows to around 4-5 cm and is generally more finely spotted than the common marble shrimp, with fewer large blotches. It shares the same nocturnal habits, sheltering in crevices by day and roaming the reef at night to feed.

This shrimp is found on reefs in the Philippines, where night divers may see both marble shrimp species. Close-up photos of the colour pattern are the best way to tell them apart.

Photo: Jay Paroline, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist